Throughout our lives, women have had to deal with many stressful skin conditions, but nothing can ever prepare us for melasma. If you suffer from melasma, you might have found that it is difficult to hide your condition. Even your fullest coverage foundation might struggle to cover those frustrating patches.
Similarly, many people complain about their dark circles. It’s difficult to know what concealer to use, especially when it’s just going to end up creasing under your eyes!
The good news is that there’s a great method for concealing both melasma and dark circles. There are also many ways to treat both conditions too. Here are some things that you need to know.
What is melasma?
Melasma is pigmentation that appears on the skin, darker than your usual skin color. It usually comes in shades of brown or grayish blue patches. These patches appear on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.
It’s more common in women than in men and is sometimes known as ‘the mask of pregnancy’, as pregnancy can bring on the condition. It isn’t known what exactly causes melasma, but birth control, pregnancy, and stress are known as triggers.
Melasma isn’t harmful, but the patches might make you feel self-conscious. If you have melasma, remember that it’s a normal condition, it’s perfectly okay to have it! The condition can go away over time, but if you’re suffering from it now, there are ways to cover up and treat melasma.
What color concealer is best for melasma?
Color correcting is one of the best ways to cover melasma. To understand color-correcting, we need to understand color theory. Melasma patches usually show up as a brown color. Brown is made up of a mix of red, blue, and yellow. We want to cancel out the blue tones in melasma spots.
To do this, we need to look at a color wheel. When applied on top of each other, contrasting colors cancel each other out. Blue is opposite the orange tones, so an orange concealer should neutralize the blueish areas.
If you’re darker-skinned, try a concealer that’s on the orange side. If you’re paler, a peachy one will work better, as orange may look too warm on your skin.
How do you cover melasma with concealer?
When you first start seeing those patches, it’s easy to think that your thickest foundation will cover them up. Thick makeup will only make your face look cakey.
To cover melasma well, you’ll need to find a medium to heavy coverage concealer. You don’t need to cover your entire face with these products, only the areas that have dark spots. Here’s a guide on how to hide your melasma with makeup.
- Before turning to makeup, you want to make sure that you’ve primed your base for your products. Makeup will look less cakey over moisturized skin. After cleansing your face, apply moisturizer and let it absorb. Make sure you apply sun protection. SPF is important for everyone, but especially melasma sufferers. Sunscreen will protect your patches from getting any darker from the sun.
- If you like using a primer, use it after your SPF. If not, this is where we start using our makeup. Instead of using foundation first, use your peach or orange concealer. Apply it with a small brush to the affected areas. Start small and work your way up. You can always apply more later! Once done, use a little powder to set the concealer.
- Apply a light amount of foundation. We’ve already concealed the dark patches, so you don’t need a full coverage foundation. Don’t use too much, as a thick foundation can highlight wrinkles and lines. Apply the foundation in light layers, then blend it into your skin.
- Set your makeup with more powder. Instead of using a brush to dust it onto your face, try pressing it into the skin. This application is better for full coverage looks, as it helps your makeup last longer.
Which color concealer is best for dark circles?
You may have heard of using a lighter concealer to cover your dark circles. If your under eyes are quite dark, this tends to make your eye area look grey and ashy. In the same way that we covered melasma patches, we can use color correcting to cover dark circles.
Like melasma, dark circles tend to have a blue hue to them. Orange and blue contrast, so you’ll need an orange concealer to neutralize them. Peach tones work well on medium skin tones, but darker skin needs a richer orange that won’t look too gray. If you’re quite fair, you’ll need a light peach shade.
How can I conceal dark circles?
- Use an eye cream to treat the area before you apply concealer. If you have oily skin, make sure your cream isn’t too thick or slick, as your concealer will slide right off. If you have dry skin, a richer cream will soothe any dryness around your eyes. Let your eye cream fully absorb before applying concealer. If it isn’t completely dry, your wrinkles and lines might stand out more.
- Apply your color-correcting concealer to your under eyes. Instead of the upside-down triangle method, use your ring finger to pat on a thin layer. Remember to cover your inner corners and the outer edge of your eye. Pat gently in thin layers until your dark circles are smooth and covered.
- Now you need your regular concealer that matches your skin tone. To cover up the dark circles, apply your concealer on top of the color-correcting shade. Only use a small amount at a time to avoid creasing. Afterward, blend it out towards the rest of your face.
- Set your under eyes with a translucent powder. Only use a light dusting so that your concealer stays in place.
How can I cover my dark circles without creasing?
I hate applying concealer to my dark circles, satisfied with the finish at home, then returning later to see it crumbling under my eyes. Creasing concealer is a common problem that’s difficult to fix. Luckily, there are a few tips that can help your under eyes look smooth for hours.
Always use an eye cream
The under-eye area needs hydration just as much as the face, but it is easy to forget about using an eye cream. Use a hydrating formula, and be sure to let the cream fully absorb before applying concealer.
Some formulas are better than others
You need a concealer that works with your eye area. Products that are too drying, too light, or too moisturizing can build up and crease easily. Mature skin does well with hydrating formulas rather than full coverage ones.
Use a setting powder
Try a translucent powder that is made for dry skin. Its moisturizing elements mean that the powder won’t stick to any flaky areas. Instead of a fluffy brush, use a powder puff or a flat brush.
Gently press the powder into your concealer when it’s still a little wet. Pressing the powder on means that your concealer and foundation won’t move underneath.
What is the most effective treatment for melasma?
Concealing your patches may help with your confidence, but there are many options available that can treat your melasma. Vitamin C serums work well to even out your skin tone and brighten your skin.
You can also ask your dermatologist for skin lightening creams. These contain ingredients like hydroquinone and alpha-arbutin, which work well to target hyperpigmentation. Remember to wear an SPF consistently, as your melasma may get darker without wearing a good sunscreen.
What is the best treatment for dark circles under the eyes?
There are a lot of remedies you can carry out at home to treat your dark circles. A cold compress helps to shrink the blood vessels under the eyes. You can do this by wrapping ice in a small cloth or use cold tea bags instead.
Black and green tea contains caffeine, which helps stimulate blood circulation around the eyes. Creams with retinol, hydroquinone, and kojic acid can also lighten dark circles. You can also find chemical peels that can reduce pigmentation. These can be very harsh on the skin, so talk to your dermatologist about your options before deciding to do a peel.
Melasma and dark circles are skin issues that can affect your confidence. Thankfully, there are ways to treat both conditions. While you work on a treatment plan, use a color-correcting product to conceal any dark areas. Follow this guide, and no one will ever know you have any imperfections!
